Saint Joseph and the Christ Child

Nicolaas van der Veken

second half 17th century · Boxwood · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

In the Baroque era the Jesuits promoted the veneration of Christ's earthly father as an active, youthful parent and regarded him as a model to be imitated by husbands and fathers. Artists were encouraged to help the faithful imagine aspects of Joseph's life missing from the scant descriptions in the Gospels, such as this elegantly tender portrayal of him protecting the Child.

Artist

Nicolaas van der Veken

Date

second half 17th century

Medium

Boxwood

Culture

Flemish, Malines (Mechelen)

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1971